Is a Home Security System Worth It? An Honest Answer (2026)

We sell security systems for a living. You know that, and we know that. So let's skip the part where we pretend to be objective and instead do something more useful: give you an honest, data-backed answer you can actually trust. After 55+ years installing systems across Sarasota, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and everywhere in between, here's what the numbers actually say.

The Short Answer

For most homeowners, yes, a home security system is worth it. But not for the reason most security companies will tell you.

The biggest value isn't burglary prevention alone. It's the combination of deterrence, insurance savings, fire and water leak detection, and the practical convenience of knowing what's happening at your home when you're not there. When you add all of that up, the math works out in your favor for the vast majority of homeowners.

But "most" isn't "all." There are situations where a security system genuinely isn't worth the money, and we'll be honest about those too.

What the Data Says About Burglary Deterrence

Let's start with the question most people are really asking: will a security system stop someone from breaking into my home?

The research on this is actually pretty clear. A widely cited University of North Carolina study surveyed over 400 convicted burglars and found that 83% said they checked for alarm systems before targeting a home. Of those, 60% said they would move on to a different target if they found one.

The FBI's Uniform Crime Report tracks burglary data nationally. While overall burglary rates have declined over the past two decades, there were still over 847,000 burglaries reported in the US in 2023. That's roughly one every 37 seconds. The average property loss per burglary is around $2,800.

Multiple studies, including research published in the International Review of Law and Economics, have found that homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into compared to homes with visible, monitored systems.

Here's what these numbers actually mean for you: a security system doesn't make your home impossible to break into. Nothing does. What it does is make your home a significantly less attractive target. Most burglars are opportunistic. They're looking for easy targets, not challenges. A visible security system, cameras, and a yard sign shift the risk calculation in your favor.

Insurance Savings: The Math Most People Miss

This is where the "worth it" question starts getting interesting from a pure dollars-and-cents perspective.

Most homeowners insurance companies offer a discount for professionally monitored security systems. The typical range is 5% to 20% off your annual premium. The exact discount depends on your insurer, the type of system, and what it monitors.

Here's a quick example with real numbers:

Read that again. With a 10% insurance discount and basic monitoring at $22 per month, the security system actually pays for itself and puts money back in your pocket. Even at a conservative 5% discount, you're breaking close to even on monitoring alone, before factoring in any other benefit.

Florida homeowners tend to benefit even more because insurance premiums here are among the highest in the nation. The larger your premium, the larger the dollar value of that percentage discount.

To get the maximum discount, your system should include:

• 24/7 professional alarm monitoring with a UL-Listed monitoring center
• Fire and smoke detection
• Water leak and flood sensors
• Cellular backup communication

Call your insurance company before you buy a system and ask exactly what discount they offer and what equipment qualifies. Some insurers want a certificate of monitoring from the security company, which any reputable provider will supply.

The Hidden Value: It's Not Just About Burglars

This is the part that changes the "worth it" calculation for most people, and it's what most articles on this topic completely miss.

Modern home security systems do far more than detect break-ins. A professionally installed system monitors for:

• Fire and smoke: Monitored smoke detectors alert the fire department automatically, even when you're not home. Standalone smoke detectors only work if someone is there to hear them.
• Carbon monoxide: CO is odorless and kills over 400 Americans annually. A monitored CO detector triggers an emergency response whether you're home or not.
• Water leaks and flooding: Water leak sensors placed near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks detect leaks early. Water damage is the most common homeowners insurance claim, causing over $13 billion in payouts annually in the US.
• Temperature extremes: Alerts if your home gets too hot (AC failure) or too cold (pipe freeze risk).

Think about that water leak stat for a moment. A single undetected water leak can cause $10,000 to $50,000 or more in damage. A water leak sensor costs about $30 and catches the problem before it becomes catastrophic. If your security system prevents just one major water damage event over its lifetime, it has paid for itself many times over.

For Florida homeowners specifically, this is a big deal. Our climate creates unique risks: hurricane season means storm surge and flooding threats, summer heat means AC failures can lead to mold growth in hours, and seasonal residents leave homes unoccupied for months at a time. A monitored system keeps watch when you can't.

Peace of Mind Is a Real Benefit (Not Just Marketing)

Security companies love to talk about "peace of mind," and it can sound like a cliché. But after decades of installing systems for thousands of families, we can tell you it's one of the most common things customers say made the purchase worth it.

It's not abstract. It's practical. Peace of mind looks like:

• Checking your security cameras to see that the kids got home from school safely
• Getting an alert that your front door was opened while you're at work, then checking the camera and seeing it was just a package delivery
• Leaving for a two-week vacation knowing your system is monitoring for intrusion, fire, water, and CO around the clock
• Receiving a notification at 2 AM that motion was detected in your backyard, watching the camera feed, and seeing it was a raccoon (not a person)
• Being a seasonal Florida resident in Ohio during summer, knowing your Sarasota home is being monitored for AC failures and water leaks

Is peace of mind worth $22 a month? For most people who've experienced the alternative (lying awake wondering if they locked the door, worrying about their empty vacation home during hurricane season), the answer is an easy yes.

The Honest Downsides

Here's where we earn your trust. A home security system has real downsides, and you should know about them before you spend a dollar.

Monthly Costs Add Up

Professional monitoring isn't free. At $22 to $60 per month, you're looking at $264 to $720 per year. Over 10 years, that's $2,640 to $7,200 in monitoring fees alone, plus equipment costs. If you're on a tight budget, that's a real expense to consider, even though insurance savings can offset a chunk of it.

False Alarms Are Annoying

False alarms happen. A pet walks in front of a motion sensor, a low battery triggers an alert, a door contact gets bumped. Most false alarms are minor inconveniences, but some municipalities fine homeowners for repeated false alarm dispatches. A good installer minimizes false alarms with proper sensor placement and pet-immune motion detectors, but they can't eliminate them entirely.

Contracts Can Be Predatory

This is a real problem in our industry and we'll say it plainly: some security companies lock customers into 3 to 5 year contracts with hefty cancellation fees, hidden price increases, and auto-renewal clauses. Read every word of any contract before you sign. Better yet, look for companies that offer month-to-month or short-term agreements. At Dehart, we don't believe in trapping people with contracts they can't get out of.

Over-Reliance Creates a False Sense of Security

A security system is one layer of protection, not a force field. You still need to lock your doors, secure your windows, keep your landscaping trimmed (so cameras have clear sightlines), and be smart about sharing your travel plans on social media. The system works best as part of an overall security strategy, not as a replacement for basic common sense.

Not All Systems Are Created Equal

A $99 DIY kit from a big-box store and a professionally designed, installed, and monitored system are not the same product. A cheap system with no monitoring, spotty Wi-Fi-dependent connectivity, and poorly placed sensors may genuinely be a waste of money. The quality of the system, the installation, and the monitoring all matter.

When a Security System Is NOT Worth It

We said we'd be honest, so here it is. There are situations where a security system might not be the right investment:

• You can't afford the monthly monitoring fee and it would cause real financial stress. Security shouldn't come at the expense of other necessities. Start with free basics: good locks, outdoor lighting, and a doorbell camera if you can swing it.
• You're buying an unmonitored system just for the yard sign. An unmonitored system is significantly less effective. If all you want is the deterrent effect, a few visible cameras and good locks might be a better investment than a full unmonitored system.
• You're being pressured into a system by a door-to-door salesperson. High-pressure sales tactics are a red flag. Any reputable security company will give you time to think, compare, and decide. Walk away from anyone who says "this deal expires today."
• You're already paying for a system you never use. If your current system sits disarmed 90% of the time, adding more equipment isn't the answer. The best system is one you actually use consistently.

DIY vs. Professional: Which Is Actually Worth It?

The DIY security market has exploded in recent years. Ring, SimpliSafe, Wyze, and dozens of other brands offer systems you can install yourself for a fraction of the cost of a professionally installed setup. So which approach is actually worth it?

DIY Systems: Pros and Cons

What's good: Lower upfront cost. No installation fees. Easy to take with you when you move. Good for renters or people who want basic coverage.

What's not: Most DIY systems rely on your Wi-Fi network, which means they go down when your internet goes down (exactly when you need them most). Self-monitoring means you're the one who has to see the alert, assess the situation, and call 911. That works great at 2 PM when you're looking at your phone. It doesn't work at 3 AM when you're asleep. Sensor placement is guesswork without professional training, which leads to dead zones and false alarms.

Professional Systems: Pros and Cons

What's good: 24/7 monitoring by trained operators who dispatch police, fire, or EMS on your behalf. Cellular backup that works without power or internet. Professional sensor placement that eliminates dead zones. Integrated fire, CO, and water leak detection. Full smart home automation integration.

What's not: Higher upfront cost. Monthly monitoring fee. You're working with a company, so the quality of that relationship matters. Choose poorly and you'll deal with bad service and frustrating contracts.

The Bottom Line on DIY vs. Pro

A DIY system is better than no system. A professionally installed and monitored system is better than DIY for actual protection. The question is how much protection you want and what you're willing to pay for it.

If you travel frequently, have valuable property, live in Florida (with hurricane and water damage risks), or simply want the confidence that a trained professional is watching your home around the clock, professional monitoring is the stronger choice.

The Florida Factor: Why Security Systems Make Extra Sense Here

Living in Florida adds specific factors that tilt the "worth it" calculation further in favor of having a system:

• Hurricane season: When a storm is approaching, a monitored system with cellular backup keeps communicating with the monitoring center even after power and internet go out. Environmental sensors alert you to water intrusion, and you can check cameras remotely to assess damage without driving back into a disaster zone.
• Seasonal residents: A huge number of Florida homeowners are snowbirds or part-time residents. Leaving a home empty for weeks or months without monitoring is a significant risk. A connected system with cameras, water leak sensors, and temperature alerts means you're never truly leaving your home unattended.
• High insurance premiums: Florida has some of the highest homeowners insurance rates in the country. That means the percentage discount from a security system translates to a larger dollar savings here than in most other states.
• Vacation homes and short-term rentals: If you own a rental property or vacation home, a security system protects your investment and gives you visibility into who's coming and going. Smart locks and access control let you issue temporary codes to guests without copying keys.
• Humidity and mold risk: If your AC fails during a Florida summer, humidity levels can skyrocket and mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Temperature and humidity sensors alert you the moment conditions become dangerous, potentially saving you thousands in remediation costs.

What Makes a System Worth It (vs. a Waste of Money)

Not all security systems deliver the same value. After 55+ years in this business, here's what separates a worthwhile investment from a money pit:

Worth It

• Professional 24/7 monitoring from a UL-Listed monitoring center with trained operators and fast response times
• Cellular backup communication that works when power and internet are down
• Professional installation by technicians who survey your property and place sensors strategically
• Multi-threat detection: intrusion, fire, CO, water leak, and temperature monitoring
• Smart home integration through a reliable platform like Alarm.com that lets you control everything from one app
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, no surprise price increases, and no predatory contracts
• Local service from a company that will show up when something needs attention

Waste of Money

• Unmonitored systems with no professional response capability
• Systems that depend entirely on Wi-Fi with no cellular backup
• Overpriced contracts with 5-year terms and hidden cancellation fees
• One-size-fits-all packages that sell you equipment you don't need
• Companies with no local presence who can't send a technician when something breaks
• Outdated technology with no app, no remote access, and no smart home integration

Real Cost vs. Real Value: A 10-Year Analysis

Let's put actual numbers to this. Here's what a professionally monitored home security system really costs over 10 years, and what you get back.

The insurance savings alone can cover half to all of your monitoring costs over 10 years. If the system prevents even one water leak or one break-in, you come out significantly ahead. The math isn't even close.

Our Perspective After 55+ Years

Dehart Alarm Systems has been protecting Florida homes and businesses since 1967. We've seen the security industry change dramatically. Here's what decades of experience have taught us:

The technology has never been better or more affordable. Twenty years ago, a basic alarm system with monitoring cost more (adjusted for inflation) and did a fraction of what a modern system does. Today, for $22 a month, you get 24/7 monitoring, smartphone control, video access, and environmental sensors. The value proposition has never been stronger.

Most of our service calls aren't for burglaries. The calls that save our customers the most money are for water leaks, fire detection, and AC failures in empty homes. Burglary deterrence gets the headlines, but environmental monitoring delivers the most consistent financial value.

The customers who regret their system are the ones who chose on price alone. The cheapest system with the cheapest monitoring from the cheapest company almost always leads to frustration. False alarms, poor app experience, slow response times, and impossible-to-cancel contracts. We've replaced more of these systems than we can count.

The customers who love their system are the ones who use it. The best security system in the world is worthless if you don't arm it. Our happiest customers are the ones who integrated the system into their daily routine: arm when they leave, check the app, review camera clips, and actually use the smart home features they're paying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Is a home security system worth it? For most homeowners, the answer is yes, and the data backs that up. The combination of burglary deterrence, insurance savings that can offset or exceed your monitoring costs, environmental protection against fire and water damage, and the practical convenience of remote monitoring adds up to a strong return on investment.

The key is choosing the right system from the right company. Don't buy on price alone. Don't sign a long-term contract without reading every word. Don't settle for an unmonitored system and assume a yard sign will do the work. And don't buy more than you need.

At Dehart, we've been doing this since 1967. We're one of the top 100 security companies in the country, we run our own UL-Listed monitoring center, and we've protected over 10,000 Florida homes and businesses. We don't do high-pressure sales, hidden fees, or bait-and-switch pricing. We'll tell you what you need, what you don't, and what it costs. That's it.

If you're thinking about a security system and want a straight answer about what makes sense for your home, give us a call or request a free assessment. We'll walk your property, make our recommendation, and let you decide on your own timeline.